What Are The Body’s Real Health Benefits From Water?

Over the years studies have shown varying information on this issue. Water makes up about 60 percents of our body’s weight. All systems in the body require water to work correctly and do their jobs. One of the major functions of water is to flush out toxins from the body. It also makes a moist environment for nose, ear and throat tissues and carries nutrients to all the cells.

A lack of an adequate amount of water in the body can lead to dehydration which can be very serious. A mild case of dehydration can cause you to feel tired and drain your energy. Dehydration can cause you to feel dizzy and, in severe cases, can lead to a coma or death.

Many of us have grown up hearing the “8 by 8” rule. Drink 8 ounces of water by 8pm. daily. Though that amount is close to the Institute of Medicine’s recommendations there are some things to keep in mind. All fluids count toward the daily amount you need. You need to keep in mind, however, that our bodie’s lose water through perspiration, breathe as well as urine and bowel movements. To keep our bodie’s functioning correctly you need to replenish water with both beverages and foods that contain water. Milk, juice, caffeinated beverages, beer, wine, coffee, tea and soda all have a percentage of water in them. But remember that water is your best bet and it is inexpensive, readily available and calorie free.

Men need to drink about 3 liters of water daily(or 13 cups/ 101 ounces) and women about 2.2 liters( or about 9 cups/74.4 ounces). If you are not sure you are getting enough liquid daily check the color of your urine. If it is clear or light yellow and it equals about 6.3 cups per day you should be okay. Be sure to drink a glass of water during and in between each meal as well as before, during and after exercising.

It is possible to consume too much water in a day. This can result in the mineral content of the blood to be diluted which will result in low sodium levels. For the average American adult who eats a normal diet this condition is rare.